Q&A with David Warsofsky

By DJ Powers

April 10th, 2009

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David Warsofsky is part of the dynamic Boston University defensive corps that has helped to make the Terriers one of the best teams in the nation this season. Coming into the Frozen Four, Warsofsky has posted 22 points (three goals, 19 assists), playing in all 43 games. His 22 points led Hockey East freshmen defensemen this season.

Hockey’s Future caught up with Warsofsky after practice on Wednesday at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC.

HF: How does it feel to be here in Washington D.C. and in the Frozen Four?

DW: It definitely feels good to be here. It was our goal the whole year to get here and to finally get here after two weeks off is something special.

HF: Being the top-seeded team coming and having that target on your backs, is that something that you guys are sort of feeding off of?

DW: Yeah, a little bit. We’ve kind of had that target the whole year, especially after that really good first weekend. Everyone has kind of known that we’re the team to beat. It’s been kind of tough because we know that we’re going to get everyone’s best game, but they’re going to get the best from our team too.HF: One of the areas that separates you from many of the other NCAA teams this season has been the depth of the great defensive corps that you’re a part of. What is about the six of you that makes it all work like a well-oiled machine aside from the skill aspect?

DW: I think it starts with Kieran (Millan) our goalie. When you have a goalie back there that you can count on, that helps a lot. The coaching staff has done a good job of putting together six solid defensemen that play their roles the right way and work well together. For me, playing with a defensive defenseman like Eric Gryba compliments me being an offensive guy. I think all of our defensive pairings have a little of that, so knowing that you can count on the guy next to you helps out a lot.

HF: All of you are very mobile also. Because of that, do you feel that is something that gives you a definite advantage to perhaps open things up a little more often over another team that may not have that ability?

DW: Yeah, I think most teams know how solid our defense is. And when you have good forwards in addition to that, the other team has to kind of worry about both of them because our defense can jump into plays and make things happen. I think a lot of teams look at that and they kind of worry about that. So I definitely think that it’s an advantage for us.

HF: Being a freshman, how was the adjustment for you personally, especially coming into a situation like Boston University?

DW: I think all of the coaches and the seniors kind of made it easier on us than a lot of people think. Last year, I played kind of a college schedule with the national program, which definitely helped me out a lot. But college is definitely a higher level that what you were playing in the past. The first couple of games were kind of an adjustment, but once you get used to it, your teammates kind of ease you into it. And that makes it a lot easier.

HF: What is it like playing under the leadership of Matt Gilroy?

DW: Oh, it’s definitely great. Matt’s a good captain, and along with John (McCarthy) and Brian (Strait) all work well together. They’re there to pick us up after a loss, especially after the tough losses, and to get everyone back on the same page.

HF: How would you describe yourself as a player?

DW: I’m kind of a laid-back guy. I try and not let things phase me too much. During the game, I try to be a leader as much as I can, but being a freshman, it’s tough at times, but I try and do the best that I can. I also try and add a little humor to the locker room too. I just try to be myself whenever I can.

HF: As you’ve progressed through your hockey career to this point, has being a smaller defenseman been something that has been a bit of a challenge for you?

DW: Definitely, in hockey, height’s a big thing and people judge you by how tall you are and how much you weigh. And being a small guy, I’ve always gotten the attention as far as maybe not being able to do things that I could do if I were taller. So I just use that as motivation to prove everyone wrong. Every day when I hear that I’m too small and I’m not going to make it to the next level, I kind of just remember that in my head whenever I’m out there on the ice and try and prove everyone wrong.

HF: One team whose attention you certainly got was the St. Louis Blues. When they drafted you, what was your first reaction?

DW: Well, at first I was kind of surprised. I’ve watched the draft every year for as long as I could remember and then to hear your name get called, it was definitely an opportunity of a lifetime. For them, they were willing to take that chance on my size, so hopefully I’ll be able to prove to them and show the teams that passed on me that I can play at the next level.
HF: I assume you went to their prospect camp last summer.

DW: I actually didn’t go because I was on a family vacation. But this year, I will be going to it.

HF: Have the Blues kept tabs on you throughout the year?

DW: Yeah, a little bit. We kind of stay in touch, but me being only a freshman, I think I’ll be staying in college for a couple more years and see what happens from there. I think when I’m a bit older there will be more communication going on.
HF: What is the one thing about you that maybe most people don’t know that they should know and why?

DW: I’d say my competitiveness. I hate to lose and I’ll do whatever it takes for my team or for myself to win and hopefully I’ll be able to do that this weekend here at the Frozen Four.

HF: What is like for you personally to be a BU Terrier and to be able to play for Coach Parker?

DW: It’s definitely special. I grew up in the Boston area, so I’ve always gone to the BU games and wanted to play for BU. Obviously everyone knows who coach is and he’s been around for a while. He’s definitely been everywhere and it’s an honor playing for him and being able to wear that jersey.